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Volume 5, Number 5,
December 2000
MIDNIGHT SUN ONLINE
-The Online Newsletter
for Robert E. Peary High School Alumni-
MSO WEB SITE - http://www.pearyhs.org/
Page 2
From:
Mary “Colleen” Moran Waybright <Waybright57@cs.com>
(1972)
Date:
Thu, 30 Nov 2000
Subject:
Update
I
found out about the website from my sisters.
Occupation:
Media Assistant, Spouse: Donnie, Children: Stephen Chad Miller --
06/30/78, Jason Daniel Waybright -- 03/20/89, Katharine Mae Waybright—
03/17/92, Grandchildren: Brieanna Miller -- 3, Kirsten Miller -- 2
Memorable
Incidents: Football games against Richard Montgomery and Wheaton high
schools. Being a part of the DECA program. And a few I can’t mention...
Since
High School: Working, married, traveled, had 1st child,
divorced, some college courses, worked, worked some more, met &
married husband #2, married, had 2 more children, some more college
courses, still working, raising kids, animals and vegetables, and will
always be working.
Future
Plans: Either retire early or drop dead working.
Seriously, would love to travel to Ireland and Australia.
Would also love to own my own bar/restaurant one day.
Memorable
Teachers: Mr. Gibbs, he was a great teacher of Shakespeare.
Mr.
Brace, first “young & good-looking” teacher in a while.
Mrs. Fortheringham...sorry if misspelled, is she now Mrs.
Weinstein?
Other
alums I know about? Patty
Boggess married now (Pickeral) and last heard she lived in Michigan.
I
attended the Homecoming and enjoyed going through the old school. What a trip. You
all [The Robert E Peary HS Alumni Association] did a good job putting that
together.
From:
Denise FitzGerald Edwards <daee@supernet.com>
(1979)
Date:
Thu, 30 Nov 2000
Subject:
daughter
My
daughter Catherine (junior) became the first-ever James Buchanan H.S. (Mercersburg Pa) female to qualify for the PIAA state cross
country championship meet with her 14th place finish at
district 3 class AA at Milton Hershey, Hershey Pa. States were held on Nov
4th at Bucknell University, Catherine finished 54th
out of 264 girls. Her parents are very proud of her.
From:
Leslie Knapp Sharkey <leslie.sharkey@tufts.edu>
(1982)
Date:
Thu, 30 Nov 2000
Subject:
Update
I
found out about the website from Ian Paregol, who was leaving
Massachusetts as I was moving here. Occupation:
Assistant Professor of Veterinary Pathology, Spouse: Leo, Children:
Victoria 9 yrs, Veronica 5 yrs, Paul 5 yrs, Alexandra (deceased)
Since
High School: Moving around and going to school for WAY too long. Several years in Michigan for undergrad, vet school and PhD
at Ohio State, 2 years of small animal practice in northern Vermont.
Decided I liked school so much that I would remain in school (with the
added advantage of avoiding “real life” more or less permanently) by
joining the faculty of Tufts Veterinary School in 1998 to torment the next
generation of veterinary students. Kids are awesome and happy to be
settled down. Between the kids and vet students I have managed to postpone
growing up indefinitely and I love every minute.
Future
Plans: To stay put, drive to swim lessons, go to Little League games, bake
a lot of cookies!
Memorable
Teachers: Mr. Clarke and AP history for obvious reasons, Mr. DeCamp for
being nice and fun but only a chapter ahead of the class in chemistry and
physics (Now that I am teaching I try to avoid that myself), and Mrs.
Rosen for sheer entertainment value.
From:
Patricia Leigh Toler <PLToler1@aol.com>
(1983)
Date:
Thu, 30 Nov 2000
Subject:
Update
Well,
just thought I’d let everyone know how things were going with me and my
family. As most of you
probably know, my grandfather, Mr. Brown (Building Service Worker or
Janitor) passed away this past February.
Well, its been hard. Thanksgiving
was extremely sad because he was no longer with us.
It was the first Thanksgiving that we’ve had without him.
I am not looking forward to Christmas.
So to anyone who has lost a loved one recently, my condolences go
out to you. I know how you
feel.
My
daughter is 10 ½ yrs old. She’ll be 11 in May 2001.
Anyway, she is now in private school—she wasn’t flourishing in
Montgomery County Public School so her father and I felt it was time to
transfer her. So far she is
doing better academically than she was when she was in public school.
I’m hoping that it stays that way.
Who knows, maybe in a year or two, she’ll be back on grade level.
Its just such a shame that my daughter’s old school (or should I
say schools) failed to notice that she was struggling with her work and
that she needed extra help. MCPS
needs to hire teachers who are more interested in teaching the students
then they are about earning their paychecks or getting their benefits.
In fact I think ANY public school should change their tactics and
hire MORE teachers and make the classrooms smaller.
That way children with special needs (or even children with a
slight learning problem) will get more individual help instead of just
being passed from one grade to the next.
Because MCPS (and especially the very last school my daughter was
at) had almost 30 kids to a classroom, my daughter was unable to get the
help she needed and because she didn’t get the help, she was unable to
do the work, she got picked on (called stupid, etc), began getting into
fights BECAUSE she was being picked on alot, and then she was labeled a
problem child. That is what I
call failing a child miserably.
Anyway,
I would like to hear from more of my classmates.
I know that I wasn’t very popular in high school, but I’m
hoping that with time and the fact that we are all almost 20 yrs old, that
maybe those who thought I was weird or a few other colorful metaphors,
have matured enough to just say “hey, maybe its time to get to know this
person”. Yes, you can say
that I’ve been thinking about it a lot.
I
guess my update is a little depressing, because I’ve had a very hard
time of it lately and I’ve been trying to deal with more than I could
handle. Thank god for my
family though. Without them, I don’t know WHERE I’d be.
Anyway, hope everyone else is doing okay, and please email me.
I would love to hear from you.
From:
Joanne Plunkett Sowers <ccfd@aol.com>
(1980)
Date:
Fri, 1 Dec 2000
Subject:
Update
Occupation:
Office Manager for Husband’s Child Care Centers, Spouse: Dave Sowers,
Dave’s Occupation: Owns Child Care Centers, Children: Al - 15, Jackie -
13, Kevin - 8
Memorable
Incident: Halloween of 1979. Just having fun. Try to tell your kids that
this is the best time of their lives and they just don’t get it!
Since
High School: I married Dave Sowers (1981).
Worked for Giant Food for over 18 years and took an early buy out
for retirement. Now I manage
the office for Dave’s Day Care Centers (9)
Future
Plans: Sell off all the Day Care Centers and really retire.
Memorable
Teacher: Mrs. Zimmerman. She
was a very strict teacher, but she really only wanted the best for her
students and took her time to help us achieve our goals.
From:
Patrick B. Weixel <PBW@CDRH.FDA.GOV>
(1984)
Date:
Sat, 2 Dec 2000
Subject:
Update
I
found out about the website FROM FELLOW CLASSMATES.
Occupation:
CONSUMER SAFETY OFFICER, Spouse: JUDY WARNER WEIXEL (CLASS OF ‘84),
Judy’s Occupation: MOM, Children: JIMMY - 5, BRENDAN - 2, ANNIE - 8
WEEKS!
Memorable
Incidents: There are too many to list all of them, however, playing
soccer, watching the last home wrestling match, and being part of the last
graduating ceremony are at the top of the list.
Since
High School: After graduation in 1984, I went to Frostburg State Univ.,
where I played soccer and eventually graduated in 1989 with a Wildlife
Mgmt degree—which means I can really throw a party! - Get it
“wild-life.” Unfortunately
I was unsuccessful in landing a full-time job in my major so I started to
apply elsewhere and landed a job with FDA.
I still work with FDA in the Center for Devices and Radiological
Health (CDRH) and I really enjoy my job.
In
1990 I finally got Judy Warner (‘84) to go out on a date and the rest is
history! We married in 1994
and we are now living in Clarksburg, MD raising our three wonderful
children Jimmy (5), Brendan (2), and Annie (8 weeks old on 12/6/00!!!)
Future
Plans: To grow old with Judy, raise our kids and maybe have one or two
more kids while we are at it!!! I
also plan on “trying” to play outdoor soccer for as long as my knees
hold out. I also want to visit Alaska at least once more and eventually
retire to Bethany Beach.
Memorable
Teachers: Coach Rob Pine, Sandra Wilson, Mary Thompson, Grace Tigani, and
Ms. Libby—The effort they put into teaching really showed they cared
about their students. Plus,
they would let me know when they were disappointed in the efforts I put
into my work, when they knew I could do better.
Thanks for caring.
Other
alums I know about? Bobby Daniels (‘84) lives in Santa Rosa (?)
From:
Jan Schwartz <ladycat2402@aol.com>
(1974)
Date:
Sat, 2 Dec 2000
Subject:
JACK MARBLE - CLASS OF ‘70
Jack’s
son, Sean Marble, just filmed an episode of “Touched By An Angel,”
which will probably appear in December. Those of you who remember how
dreamy Jack was at that age would recognize Sean, just a smaller version
of Jack back then. Sean plays the villain who beats up a boy & is
killed in the program, but hey - it’s national air time & we’re
really proud of him!!!
From:
Helga A. Serrano <helga@ymca.int>
(1975)
Date:
Sun, 3 Dec 2000
Subject:
Update
I
found out about the website while looking through Yahoo.
Occupation:
journalist, Spouse: Eduardo Tamayo, Children: Santiago - 19 yrs. old, Martín
- 11 yrs. old
Since
High School: Attended college in Ecuador, graduated as a journalist.
Higher diploma in communication for development.
Worked at the Central Bank of Ecuador.
Worked with the YMCA in Ecuador and social movements.
Currently 2 years in Geneva, working at World Alliance
headquarters, as Executive Secretary for Communication, Gender.
Future
Plans: 2-3 more years in Geneva, then back to Quito, Ecuador.
Memorable
Teachers: Kirkpatrick - because I worked with him as basketball
statistician. English teacher
- cannot remember his name, but good literature classes.
French teacher.
From:
Frank Peebles <mariner061@yahoo.com>
(1981)
Date:
Wed, 6 Dec 2000
Subject:
Udpate
How I
found out about the website? Sheer luck surfing the net.
Occupation:
College Text Manager/Teacher
Memorable
Incident: No doubt..still waiting for another Mr. Clarke bonus question!
Since
High School: Drifting here and there (And Then Came Bronson?)..Finally
settled down into a job I love..met the gal of my dreams..hope to call her
the wife of my dreams soon..life is good :)
Memorable
Teachers: Mr Clarke..for his wit and wisdom.
Mr. Boyd..for the same..now I need him to lower my golf handicap by
a few!
From:
Michelle Tully Harrington <michelleharrington@home.com>
(1986)
Date:
Thu, 07 Dec 2000
Subject:
Peary Class of ‘86 Reunion
We
are in the process of planning a 15 year reunion for the Class of 1986. Feel free to contact me with any questions and/or
suggestions.
See
the Class of 1986 information section on MSO for updates between now and
the next newsletter.
Thanks,
Michelle
(Tully) Harrington
From:
John Morton <gn_diane@bellsouth.net>
(1976)
Date:
Thu, 07 Dec 2000
Subject:
Las Vegas 76-77
I
think the reunion idea is awesome. I vacation there w/wife and friends all
the time-we love to get lost in the desert, especially around Area 51,
Death Valley, Red Rock Canyon, Route 66 in Az, Laughlin, you name it we
try to do it. Of course, all the casinos on the strip are a must, as they
add new ones every year. It
would be fun to see everyone there! I
think someplace centrally located on the strip, like Harrah’s, Mirage or
Treasure Island would be great for a reunion!
From:
Shirley Santilhano Friedman <gsmusic@netzero.net>
(1981)
Date:
Fri, 8 Dec 2000
Subject:
Gilbert and Sullivans “The Mikado”
Shirley
Santilhano Friedman will be performing with the Victorian Lyric Opera
Company in February. She will
be presenting Gilbert & Sullivan’s Japanese adventure, “The
Mikado”. Shirley will be playing the role of Katisha. The performances
will be held at the F.Scotts Fitzgerald Theater at the Rockville Civic
Center. Performances will be Feb. 9,17,22,24
at 8:00pm and Feb.11 at 2:00pm. Tickets are only $12.00 for adults and
$10.00 for students 16 years of age and younger. Group rates available.
Call (301) 879-0220 to reserve your tickets.
I hope to see you there.
From:
Jean Scalzi <susantaney@fc.mcps.k12.md.us>
(1980)
Date:
Mon, 11 Dec 2000
Subject:
Update
How I
found out about the website? Surfing the web.
Occupation:
Math Tutor/Small business owner. Significant Other: Rick Hoadley,
Children: Hilary Michelle Carr age 12
Memorable
Incidents: Being picked on!
Since
High School: Graduating from college, working fulltime for MCPS, getting
married and divorced, raising a daughter, and writing fiction for middle
grade children
Future
Plans: Working fulltime at my and my partners at-home landscaping business
and continuing to write novels and short stories
Memorable
Teacher: I remember Mr. Hill most off all.
He was a nice teacher, even when he yelled at me, “Scalzi, front
and center!”
Other
alums I know about? John Baker lives in Kill Devel Hills (Nags Head), and
Bettsie Doyle (Dix) lives in Mt. Airy, MD
I
would like to be notified of any reunion type gatherings.
I missed the 2000 reunion.
From:
Class of 85 Reunion Committee <peary85@hotmail.com>
Date:
Tue, 12 Dec 2000
Subject:
Class of 1985 Reunion
We
have set a date so mark your calendars for the weekend of September 21st
through the 23rd. We
are planning a happy hour for Friday night and a picnic on Sunday
afternoon and would love for everyone from the classes of ‘84 and ‘86
to join us for those events. More details will be posted as the date gets near.
Class
of ‘85 Reunion Committee
From:
Grant Wagner <gwagner@loudoun.com>
(1980)
Date:
Tue, 12 Dec 2000
Subject:
Update
How I
found out about the website? It came to me in a vision.
Occupation:
Sr. VP, Worldwide Sales, OTG Software, Spouse: Michele, Children: Jack 5
years, Sean 3 years, Elizabeth 5 months, Grandchildren: “Spot” the
Goldfish.
My
wife Michele and I gave birth to our third child, Elizabeth Grace, on
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